“NOT ME” helps people at risk of developing diabetes prevent or delay the disease

11/12/2013MINNETONKA, Minn. —

The NOT ME online platform delivers the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) via the Internet to people whenever and wherever they choose. The DPP is a group lifestyle change program that helps people who are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes prevent or delay the disease through modest weight loss via healthy eating, increased physical activity and other lifestyle changes.

“Through the online NOT ME program, consumers learn strategies that can help them lose weight and improve their health – and they can participate at home or anywhere they chose that is convenient and fits their busy lifestyles,” said Deneen Vojta, senior vice president, UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform & Modernization. “We are grateful to be recognized by the CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards for our commitment to helping people live healthier lives.”

At the core of the online version of NOT ME is the 16-episode “Project NOT ME” television series that follows six adults who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes as they go through the evidence-based DPP. Each session features a health and wellness coach leading a class of DPP participants who are working to reach a healthier weight and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Between each session, participants practice at home the skills they learn from the program using tracking tools, linked electronic scales and support from an online community and coach. The goal for participants in the group lifestyle change program is to lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight, which has been shown to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes by up to 58%, according to research led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The DPP lifestyle-modification program is based on the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program, which brings evidence-based lifestyle interventions to communities by working through organizations that adhere to CDC-recognized, evidence-based standards.

UnitedHealth Group’s online NOT ME program will be displayed at the 2014 International CES, Jan. 7-10, 2014 at The Venetian in Las Vegas.

About UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making health care work better. With headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn., UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two business platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services. Through its businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves more than 85 million people worldwide. For more information, visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com.